Snapchat is one of the most social media apps out there, and, as is the case with most platforms like it, there’s an option to block users who you’d rather not communicate with. So, how can you tell if you’re on the receiving end of a Snapchat block?
To determine if you’ve been blocked on Snapchat, try searching for the account in question. If you can’t find it, borrow a friend’s device and try the same search. If the profile appears on the other device, you’ve likely been blocked.
Different platforms manage blocks in different ways, and it can be a bit tricky to figure out which methods work where. Let’s take a closer look at Snapchat’s blocking feature, how to know if you are blocked on the app, and why the feature exists.
How Can You Tell if Someone Blocked You on Snapchat?
There are several ways to determine if you’ve been blocked on Snapchat. However, before you continue, consider whether the interactions you initiated may justify the block.
For example, cultural barriers, misunderstandings, or miscommunications can sometimes lead to situations where blocking someone may seem appropriate.
Consider your interactions with the person on Snapchat who you suspect blocked you. Perhaps they misunderstood something you said or interpreted a joke in a way you didn’t intend.
There are situations where it’s best to leave it alone and bow out gracefully. Furthermore, pursuing communication after being blocked could lead to legal repercussions, depending on local laws.
Justified Inquiry
Just as there are reasons not to pursue contact with a person who may have blocked you, there are sometimes good reasons to seek answers. Your reasons frame the context and possible repercussions.
Perhaps you’re worried about your child, a friend, or a loved one. Maybe a friend has been behaving strangely and has suddenly blocked you.
Whatever the reason, an ethically justified inquiry is a good reason to seek more information.
So, Have You Been Blocked?
In order to figure out if you’ve been blocked on Snapchat, you can use the following methods:
- Method 1: Search for the profile of the person you believe has blocked you. If you can’t find the profile or any activity associated with the profile, you have likely been blocked. However, because we’re dealing with technology that’s subject to error, try the next step as well.
- Method 2: Borrow a friend or relative’s device to repeat the search. If you can find the profile in question — the one you couldn’t find from your own profile — you’re likely blocked.
- Method 3: If you go to your direct messages and content shared between you and the account in question is gone, you’re probably blocked.
Given all three of these criteria are met, and you have confirmation that you’re blocked, and it’s time to consider appropriate responses.
Appropriate Responses to Being Blocked on Snapchat
First, check whether the person in question has deleted their profile. In that case, there’s no reason to believe it’s personal.
Before you can decide on an appropriate response, consider your relationship with the person to whom the account belongs.
If it’s a public figure or someone you don’t know personally, it’s best to leave it be. Even if you’re sincerely concerned, consider your position in the situation. Will your input improve things?
If it is a family member or friend, and you have tangible proof that they’re in danger, report it to the police.
If you have a hunch, but no proof, reach out to a mutual friend or relative so that they can look into it. The account holder may not want to speak to you directly.
If you and the account holder have had your share of disagreements lately, give them some time to cool down.
Don’t pursue a conversation with someone who has indicated that they don’t want to communicate with you.
Are You Notified if You’ve Been Blocked?
No. It’s integral to the blocking function on most platforms that the person being blocked doesn’t receive a notification. It makes sense when you consider the purpose of allowing users to block other users.
In many cases, the blocked person has transgressed boundaries, which made the account holder uncomfortable and threatened.
And in the most serious cases, the account holder may be in danger from a deranged individual.
For these reasons, sending a notification that someone has been blocked presents a safety risk.
Can You Report Someone Who’s Blocked You?
So far, we’ve focused on situations where the blocked person is either neutral or the antagonist. However, what happens when an offending party blocks you?
People sometimes block other users to delete offensive interactions that they commit. When that happens, you may be left feeling frustrated with no recourse.
Unfortunately, you can’t simply report a user that’s blocked you in the normal way using the Snapchat app.
The common method requires you have the menu option “Manage Friendship,” where you can tap “Report.”
You must use the Snapchat support web page when you’re blocked. You can navigate the options in the “Report a Safety Concern” submenu.
How to Block Someone on Snapchat
If you’re on the other end of the situation, you may need to know how to block a Snapchat user. Let’s take a look:
- If It’s Someone You’ve Chatted With: To block someone you’ve already interacted with on Snapchat, open the chat and use the menu shortcut to navigate to the “Block” option. You’ll receive a confirmation prompt. Once you accept, the account in question will be blocked.
- If It’s an Account You Haven’t Interacted With: To block an account you haven’t interacted with, use the search function to find the profile. Next, open the account avatar as you would do to start a chat. From this point, the process is the same as the first. Use the menu button, navigate to “Block,” and confirm.